Integration of SiRF STAR III into a laptop?

09-13-06, 02:39 PM

Got your attention.

I wonder when mainstream laptops will integrate GPS receivers into the laptop. Currently, I only know of only one all-in-one solution.

I'd like to see more laptops come with integrated GPS receivers providing NMEA data if needed. Since laptops already come equipped with WiFi b/g, Bluetooth etc, its not much more to add in a GPSr.

Anyways, the only one I know of is GoBook. If you know of others, please indicate here.

Yes, yes, you can get standalone GPS devices since the laptop is BT capable, but that's not the point. Just curious as to the AIO solutions that's all.

Cheers.

DoDoubleGeo · 09-13-06, 02:43 PM

Toughbook by Panasonic

09-13-06, 02:47 PM

Nice - similar features to http://www.gobook3.com/gb3/features.htm

It all seems to be marketed as "tough" or "durable" etc.

DoDoubleGeo · 09-13-06, 03:15 PM

Yeah, these devices are aimed and marketed for field use and many of them are designed to pass military testing procedures.

**Rishad** · 09-13-06, 03:19 PM

I think all laptops should come with a built-in GPS receiver. The chips are pretty cheap now and it'd be a good selling point for the laptops.

09-14-06, 09:43 AM

We got a series of these on one of my ships to use in the engineroom. Steamy, lots of vibration and hotter than h***. The first test units died within a day or two. It is all about the cooling.

09-14-06, 12:14 PM

Originally Posted by Greymane21

We got a series of these on one of my ships to use in the engineroom. Steamy, lots of vibration and hotter than h***. The first test units died within a day or two. It is all about the cooling.

Hey, cooling should not be a problem, you're surrounded by water ...

Man, those test units must be crap, or your environment must be brutal.

09-14-06, 04:27 PM

GPS on laptop is nice, but mounting and viewing it when driving would be pretty hard , right?

jimbo32 · 09-14-06, 06:15 PM

Problem I see is most laptops are used in places where a GPS signal poor at best (indoors or under a metal roof of a vehicle). Before laptops will be used outdoors where GPS signals would be strong, big improvements need to be made in the readability of screens outdoors. Even if GPS were built in, you would probably still want a remote antenna, either wired or bluetooth, for good signal reception.